On-Call Bus Driver at Career Academy of South Bend, Inc.

Description

General Description: 

The Substitute/Temporary On-Call Bus Driver safely transports students of all grade levels (K–12) to and from school, programs, and school-sponsored activities. This role operates on an as-needed basis and requires strict adherence to all federal, state, and local laws, as well as district policies and procedures. Preference will be given to candidates who can supply their own bus that meets state safety requirements and who hold a valid CDL with bus endorsements.

Qualifications: 

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Age 21+ with an acceptable driving record.
• Valid Indiana driver’s license and Class B CDL (or higher) with Passenger (P), School Bus (S), and Air Brake endorsements.
• Medical Qualification: Current FMCSA Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC) and related MER on file (DOT physical), and any physical exam certificate required under IC 20-27-8-4.
• Current Indiana Department of Education School Bus Driver certification/Yellow Card and DOT physical (or ability to obtain/maintain).
• Ability to pass pre-employment and random drug/alcohol testing, criminal background check, and child abuse/neglect screening.
• Ability to safely operate large vehicles in varied traffic and weather conditions and to adhere to all pupil transportation laws.
• Basic technology skills (email, electronic logs/routing apps, mobile communications).
• Effective communication; positive, people-centered, solution-focused approach with students, staff, families, and community members.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions; maintain cooperative, professional relationships; and represent the district with courtesy and discretion.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Operate a school bus and other assigned pupil-transport vehicles (e.g., activity bus, mini-bus, van, when applicable) in accordance with all traffic laws, safety regulations, and district policy.
• Follow route sheets and schedules as directed by Transportation leadership; complete field trip, athletic, airport, and special event assignments as scheduled (including occasional evenings, weekends).
• Conduct required pre-trip and post-trip inspections; document defects; promptly report mechanical issues, hazards, delays, accidents, or incidents to Transportation leadership.
• Direct and assist students during loading/unloading at assigned stops and schools; ensure safe street crossing and use of securement devices for students and equipment as needed.
• Maintain student conduct on the bus; apply district behavior procedures and refer unresolved issues to appropriate administrators.
• Transport only authorized students and discharge passengers only at authorized stops.
• Keep the assigned vehicle clean, orderly, fueled, and mission-ready; perform routine upkeep as directed.
• Complete and submit all required records (daily logs, inspection forms, incident/accident reports, timesheets, trip sheets) accurately and on time.
• Exercise responsible leadership on out-of-district trips; coordinate with coaches/sponsors and school administrators as needed.
• Collaborate with the Athletic Director/Assistant Superintendent and school staff/Administration to support consistent expectations for safety and student behavior.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Owner-operator with an insured, Indiana-compliant bus available for assignment (subject to annual State Police inspection and district acceptance). 
• 1–3 years of commercial/school bus driving experience.
• Work Conditions & Physical Requirements
• On-call availability for early mornings, afternoons, evenings, & weekends.
• Ability to sit for extended periods; bend/stoop; secure equipment/wheelchairs; assist students as needed.
• Exposure to traffic, weather, and noise typical of transportation environments.
• Must demonstrate foundational professionalism, including consistent attendance, punctuality, adherence to school policies and procedures, and strong employability skills. These are considered essential, non-negotiable expectations of the role.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Age 21+ with an acceptable driving record.
• Valid Indiana driver’s license and Class B CDL (or higher) with Passenger (P), School Bus (S), and Air Brake endorsements.
• Medical Qualification: Current FMCSA Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC) and related MER on file (DOT physical), and any physical exam certificate required under IC 20-27-8-4.
• Current Indiana Department of Education School Bus Driver certification/Yellow Card and DOT physical (or ability to obtain/maintain).
• Ability to pass pre-employment and random drug/alcohol testing, criminal background check, and child abuse/neglect screening.
• Ability to safely operate large vehicles in varied traffic and weather conditions and to adhere to all pupil transportation laws.
• Basic technology skills (email, electronic logs/routing apps, mobile communications).
• Effective communication; positive, people-centered, solution-focused approach with students, staff, families, and community members.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions; maintain cooperative, professional relationships; and represent the district with courtesy and discretion.